Sure times are tough all over but in Canada a poll suggests that residents of this country still want to let off steam by traveling. And even though the bad news keeps streaming out of the media outlets most Canadians still want a vacation and the statistics show that they will take them.

However, these vacations will be closer to home that they have been in years. In other words they will take a staycation. In fact this type of leisure activity is becoming so popular that the word staycation has been included in the Webster Dictionary for 2009.

A Canadian Press Harrris-Decima survey showed that out of the 59% of Canadians who have acknowledged that they will take a holiday this year 61% will take them close to home.

Here's how the rest of the poll went and how the vacationing patterns evolved:

* 26% will vacation near their home city.
* 35% will holiday in their home province.
* 18% will travel outside Canada.

This should be good news for local Canadian operators. Cottage rentals and theme parks should show healthy traffic but the high-end tourism accommodations outside the main centers and popular tourist areas may suffer.

But how is the cash flow for vacationing.

* 54% will spend the same amount as last year.
* 29% will spend less.

This is because many of the holiday trips will include vestiges of "the old times." This includes camping in provincial campgrounds, staying with friends or taking day trips.

To compete with the staycation trend many accommodations operators situated a little further away are offering deals to entice local residents to have a "vacation at home." This is great if the place has a swimming pool or small park for young children. The main thrust of the advertising is that a vacation does not have to be far from home to be a vacation.